St Mary Magdalene CofE Voluntary Controlled Primary School
West Bromwich, B71 1RP · Sandwell · primary school
Check the area around this school
84th of 84 primary schools in Sandwell we can score, 93 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.6/10 against 2,826 of them, against 1.0/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 42.0 · 10 | 62% | 0.59 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mary Magdalene CofE Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 42.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 229 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in literacy and numeracy? What specific interventions are in place for the 0.0% who reached the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about St Mary Magdalene CofE Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
This well-led school fosters a "strong sense of identity and community" where pupils display "positive and caring attitudes." While leadership, behaviour, and personal development are rated as good, the quality of education requires improvement due to inconsistent teaching in mathematics and variable standards in writing.
Strengths
- Pupils are "good mannered" and the school is described as a "calm, harmonious place" where relationships are excellent.
- Reading is taught well, with a "successful consistency" in phonics that enables all pupils to learn to read.
- The wider curriculum is planned in a "logical sequence," allowing pupils to revisit and embed knowledge in subjects like design technology and geography.
- Leaders provide "ambitious direction" and consult with staff, building a "united team spirit" for improvement.
- The school identifies pupils with special educational needs early and provides appropriate support, including speech and language therapy.
Areas to improve
- The quality of teaching and assessment in mathematics varies, hindering progress; staff require further training to strengthen learning and raise standards.
- Pupils’ writing standards remain variable; the school must support staff in implementing new approaches to letter formation and handwriting with greater consistency.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 41% |
| 2024/25 | 42% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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